How to renew a passport outside Canada and the US
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Outside Canada and the US
Special measures for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Iran
If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident currently in Iran, you can apply for the following documents for free:
- Canadian passport
- Canadian citizenship certificate
- permanent resident travel document
If you already have an adult passport, you may be able to renew it. Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for a new one. This is because you don’t need
- a guarantor
- proof of Canadian citizenship
- supporting identification
Who can renew a passport
Only adult passports can be renewed.
- If you’re 16 or older, find out if you can renew your passport(opens in a new tab) .
- If you’re under 16, you need to apply for a new child passport.
Valid passports
- must be sent with your application, and
- will be cancelled and cannot be used for travel
An expired, damaged, lost or stolen passport can be renewed if
- it was issued within 15 years of the date you apply, and
- you meet all the other eligibility requirements(opens in a new tab)
Not sure when you should renew your passport?
Learn when to renew your passport and when it’s too soon to renew.
We’re issuing new passport booklets as of June 18, 2023
Until we finish installing the printers for the new passports in all offices, you may still get the current passport when you apply. By spring 2024, we’ll just be issuing the new passports.
If you have a valid passport already, it’s still secure and reliable. You don’t need to apply for a new one.
Forms, instructions and fees
Answer the questions below. We’ll then
- give you all the forms you need
- tell you how to submit your application
- show the costs for different passport services
You need to contact us as soon as possible to report the theft or loss of your previous passport.
How to get a passport abroad
If you need a passport urgently, contact the nearest Government of Canada office. Additional fees apply.
1. Complete the form
To save time, complete the form on your computer. Sign each page of the application.
If your passport is lost or stolen but still valid
Since your passport is still valid, you also need to
- add a complete declaration concerning a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 1.3 MB) to your application and
- pay the extra fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport
If your passport is damaged but still valid
Since your passport is still valid, you also need to add a complete declaration concerning a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 1.33 MB) to your application.
Instructions and tips
- To save time, complete the form on your computer.
- If you can’t open the form, follow these instructions.
- To get a Braille instruction booklet or large-print forms, contact us.
- Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you complete it properly.
- Sign each page of the application.
- If the term “mother’s surname” doesn’t apply to you
- cross it out on the form and write “parent’s surname at birth”
- fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of 1 parent
and - write your initials in the margin
2. Get all the required documents and your passport photos
You need to include the following with your application:
- the following 3 pieces of information:
- the date your passport was issued
- the date it expired
- its passport number
- your most recent passport, if it’s still valid
- 2 identical passport photos
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
- their name
- their complete address and
- the date the photos were taken
- You do not need a guarantor’s signature on the photo. Passport renewals don’t need a guarantor.
- Read the full photo requirements(opens in a new tab) for more information.
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
Passport photo requirements abroad may be different than in Canada
Your photos must follow Canadian photo requirements. We’ll reject and return your application to you if you don’t submit an acceptable photo.
To avoid any problems, print a copy of the passport photo specifications (PDF, 652.38 KB) and bring it to the photographer.
All your documents must be in either English or French. If a document is in another language, you must provide an official translation(opens in a new tab) .
3. Find 2 references
You need to include 2 references(opens in a new tab) to include on your application.
- They must have known you for at least 2 years.
- They cannot be a family member.
4. Pay your fees
Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.
Fees and methods of payment for applications outside Canada and the U.S. (opens in a new tab)
You won’t receive a refund for the service fee if you
- cancel your application
- are refused a passport or travel document
- are issued a passport for a shorter validity period than requested
- For example, if we issue a passport that’s valid for less than 5 years, despite you applying for a 5- or 10-year passport.
- This may happen if you’ve lost your passport multiple times.
- For example, if we issue a passport that’s valid for less than 5 years, despite you applying for a 5- or 10-year passport.
Only the consular fee, which applies to all adult applications, is refundable if a passport is not issued.
5. Submit your application
After you pay the fees, submit your application and payment receipt to the nearest Government of Canada office abroad.
6. Get your passport
The office you applied at will let you know when your passport is ready. They will also tell you when and how you can pick it up.
If you applied by mail
We’ll return your passport and any original documentation to you. They may arrive in 2 separate packages.
If you’re moving but haven’t received your passport yet
Contact the Canadian embassy or consulate where you applied to update your mailing address if you
- haven’t received your passport and
- are moving within 30 days of submitting your application
If you have a NEXUS card
When you get your new passport, make sure your personal information is up to date(opens in a new tab) in the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System.
Passport number, date of issue, and date of expiry
Check the date of issue. If the date it was issued is within the past 15 years and you meet the other eligibility requirements, you can apply to renew your passport.
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